Tadeusz Gajcy

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Tadeusz Stefan Gajcy (8 February 1922 – 16 August 1944) was a Polish poet, playwright, and editor who helped run the wartime magazine Sztuka i Naród (Art and Nation). He was a member of the Confederation of the Nation and fought as a soldier in the Home Army during World War II.

Gajcy was born in Warsaw and showed a talent for poetry from a young age. He studied at the Marian Fathers' School in Bielany and later studied Polish literature at the University of Warsaw, while also taking part in underground education and publication.

In 1942–1943, he wrote for underground magazines and became editor of SiN. He published many poems and a drama, and worked to defend and promote Polish culture under occupation. A notable incident in 1943 involved a wreath-laying at the Copernicus monument; a colleague was killed, and Gajcy faced serious consequences, but he continued his work.

In 1944, during the Warsaw Uprising, Gajcy joined the fighting and died on 16 August 1944. He was buried at Powązki Cemetery and was posthumously awarded the Cross of Valour.

After the war, some critics questioned the wartime actions of SiN’s leaders. In 2009, Poland awarded Gajcy the Commander's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta for his contributions to Polish culture and independence. A 10 zloty commemorative coin featuring his portrait was issued the same year.